Peter Barry

Peter Barry, now in his 80th year, still is a senior figure in the Barry’s Tea empire. This recording took place on the Old Kinsale Road, where the Barry’s Tea offices are located. The recording began with Peter’s recollections of his family background. His grandfather’s occupation was blacksmithing on the shores of the Blackwater. Around 1890 Peter’s grandfather moved into Cork, where he opened a shop on Princes Street. He was involved in importing tea, and when Peter came into the business, he began to wholesale tea to other grocery shops around Cork city. Peter went on to tell me about his introduction to politics, following in a family tradition. In 1954 his father stood for election, and having spent over a decade in public life, he left office in 1965. He was honoured to be elected Lord Mayor of Cork city in 1962, a position previously held by his father and later by his daughter. Peter also speaks about his own distinguished political career.